HonorHealth Research Institute Treats First Patient in Groundbreaking Melanoma Clinical Trial

An average of 212 people in Arizona passed away due to melanoma. Each year from 2018 through 2022, as reported by the Arizona Department of Health Services.

From 2017 to 2022, Arizona witnessed a rise of 7.3% in the incidence rate of new invasive melanoma cases.

In efforts to tackle these figures, the HonorHealth Research Institute has recently initiated an international clinical trial with the enrollment of its first participant. This study aims to evaluate a novel form of treatment designed for melanoma, which is a highly aggressive kind of skin cancer.

It's a tale that resonates particularly now as we anticipate unprecedented temperatures in Arizona this summer.

Many melanomas are caused by excessive sunlight," explained Dr. Justin Moser, who leads the HonorHealth Research Institute's melanoma research efforts. "Living in the desert exposes us to abundant sunshine, and our state offers numerous opportunities for outdoor pursuits such as hiking and mountain biking. This means residents face prolonged periods of direct sunlight.

Melanoma, the most perilous form of skin cancer, originates from pigment-making cells and generally appears on the skin; however, it can exceptionally develop in areas such as the mouth, digestive tract, or eyes. In extremely uncommon instances, this condition might also arise in the lungs.

And sadly, the statistics related to melanoma are quite alarming.

"We have some of the highest melanoma rates in the United States right here in Arizona," stated Moser.

The American Cancer Society predicts that there will be 3,790 new cases of melanoma identified in Arizona this year.

This rate is significantly higher than the national average, making Moser’s research particularly significant.

"I specialize in melanoma and various other types of skin cancer as part of the clinical research team," he stated.

Currently, Moser, who is additionally an associate research professor at ASU’s newly established School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering, is striving towards a significant objective.

"We are truly committed to providing the latest and most effective treatment options to patients in Arizona as swiftly as possible," he stated.

He is currently involved in a clinical trial for a novel form of cell therapy aimed at treating patients suffering from refractory melanoma—a condition where the cancer has not been responsive to conventional treatments.

"... a treatment method involving using a patient's own immune cells and training them to combat the cancer," explained Moser.

The HonorHealth Research Institute has recently initiated treatment for the inaugural participant in an extensive global study spanning 50 sites. This international clinical trial is evaluating a novel form of therapy designed specifically for treating melanoma.

"The hope is that this research yields positive results and leads to the approval of a new treatment for melanoma," he stated.

Moser states that if you happen to develop melanoma and fortunately detect it at an early stage, such as stage one, these cases are highly treatable, with success rates exceeding 95%.

If, however, your level of sunlight exposure leads to developing one melanoma, he warns that you're more likely to be at an increased risk for additional cases of melanoma.

Therefore, as his team carries on with their efforts, he advises others to focus primarily on preventive measures.

"... staying out of direct sunlight, wearing clothes designed for sun protection, using sunscreen regularly, and having routine skin examinations with a dermatologist to ensure that if you develop another skin cancer, it will be detected while it remains highly treatable," explained Moser.

This guidance is beneficial for everyone, particularly as we approach the peak summer months.

If you or anyone you know is dealing with refractory melanoma and seeks additional details about the study, visit their website for further information.

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Triumph Over Prostate Cancer: Stories of Sports Heroes, Everyday Fighters, and Millions

HOUSTON As graduation ceremonies took over social media feeds and timelines nationwide on Sunday, the announcement of President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis emerged as the leading headline.

The President’s private office issued the subsequent announcement:

A few days ago, President Joe Biden underwent evaluation due to escalating urinary issues, leading to the discovery of a prostate lump. He received confirmation last Friday that he has prostate cancer, marked by a high Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5), indicating spread to the bones as well. Despite being an advanced and severe type, the cancer shows sensitivity to hormones, offering viable treatment avenues. President Biden along with his family is currently consulting doctors about potential therapy choices.

MY TESTIMONY

I am a prostate cancer survivor. My urologist made an early diagnosis of the disease. I underwent a series of radiation treatments and have been declared cancer-free.

Unfortunately, many men, like President Biden, are unaware that prostate cancer can silently destroy our bodies and become rapidly aggressive. My father, three uncles, and several friends had prostate cancer.

Black men face an increased likelihood of being diagnosed with prostate cancer and unfortunately often succumb to the illness as they neglect routine PSA blood tests and physical examinations conducted by doctors. To be honest, numerous individuals harbor misunderstandings about these screening procedures and shun them out of fear that such checks might challenge their masculinity.

SPORTS LEGENDS FOUGHT AND WON

Hall of Famers supporting HBCU sports include Shannon Sharpe, Ken Griffey Jr., Dusty Baker, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar , and broadcaster Brian Custer, who have both fought against prostate cancer. Similar to my experience, an early detection can lead to successful treatment, and I urge men with a family history of this condition to undergo screening at the earliest opportunity.

“I’m acutely aware that Many individuals within the African American community does not offer the same choices, and I understand it is my duty to unite with those striving to alter this," Abdul-Jabbar wrote In a recent essay, "Due to the significant danger facing Black lives. There's a serious risk involved."

"I strongly recognize that numerous individuals within the Black community lack similar choices, and I understand it’s my duty to stand alongside those working to alter this situation...Given that Black lives are endangered. Endangered seriously." Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

President Biden hasn't been personally engaged with HBCU sports; however, he has consistently shown support for our colleges and universities throughout his time in office as well as before and after his presidency.

Go for a check-up, fellow sports enthusiasts. Summon the bravery, persistence, and unwavering resolve to battle the illness. You have what it takes to triumph and recover; just look at how those legendary athletes’ journeys stand as proof.

Dispatching heartfelt prayers to President Biden and all those battling prostate cancer with their treatments.

I hope this message touches your soul and motivates you to take action, particularly if you are a Black man over 35 years old.

We shall see.

Go to ZERO Prostate Cancer and the Prostate Cancer Foundation For details about prostate cancer and available treatment options.

FROM ZERO PROSTATE CANCER

African American males have a significantly higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Approximately one out of every six black men can expect to be diagnosed with this condition during their lifetime, as opposed to just one out of every eight men generally.

African American males face approximately 1.7 times higher odds of being diagnosed with prostate cancer and about 2.1 times greater risk of succumbing to it compared to Caucasian males. Additionally, African American men have a marginal tendency towards receiving diagnoses at later stages of the disease relative to their White counterparts.

Although the exact cause remains unclear, various elements can influence cancer risk and outcomes within the Black and African American community.

• Given the historical background, race in the U.S. is linked to socioeconomic standing, and those with lower socioeconomic positions have a higher likelihood of developing cancer as well as poorer health results.
• African American men could face adverse effects due to racial prejudice in preventative healthcare services. They have a lower probability of being recommended for PSA testing compared to Caucasian men and are more frequently informed that the advantages of undergoing a PSA test are questionable.
• discovered that African American men who were identified as having early-stage prostate cancer were less prone to undergo any form of treatment compared to their white counterparts.

The encouraging news is that prostate cancer is highly treatable when caught at an early stage.

HBCU FOOTBALL

HBCU LEGENDS PODCAST

The article was initially posted on www.si.com/college/hbcu as Triumph Over Prostate Cancer: Stories of Athletic Heroes, My Journey, and Countless Others .